Cupra Leon lineup gains 148bhp and 187bhp engines

Cupra has added two new engines to the Leon Hatch and Estate lineups, making for two new ‘warm’ options making use of pure petrol power. Confirmed in September, these new options are now available to buy in the UK.  

This now gives Cupra Leon buyers five powertrains to choose from, factoring in the existing 242bhp and 306bhp 2.0-litre pure petrol engines and the 1.4-litre-based plug-in hybrid version. Cupra notes that this brings its Leon range into line with the Formentor SUV.

However, unlike that model, which is exclusive to Cupra, the Leon can also be purchased as a SEAT, and with the 148 and 187bhp petrol engines, giving prospective buyers an interesting - and possibly confusing - choice between the two. 

The Leon Hatch is offered with the new 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI engine linked to a seven-speed DSG gearbox and is priced from £33,170. Cupra claims 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 141mph, with up to 41.5mpg possible on the WLTP cycle. The same powertrain in the Estate costs from £34,445, with 0-62mph taking 7.5 seconds.

The Estate is served up with the 148bhp 1.5-litre engine option. This can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox from £30,875 or with a DSG transmission from £32,985. Top speed for both is claimed as 134mph, with the DSG a shade quicker to 62mph than the manual (8.9 seconds vs 9.2 seconds). Fuel economy of 47.1mpg is claimed. 

For reference, a 1.5-litre SEAT Leon FR Sport currently starts from £28,840, while a 187bhp 2.0-litre SEAT Leon in the same trim is £32,315. 

Both of the fresh Cupra Leons are available in V1 trim with standard equipment highlights including 18-inch black and silver alloy wheels, a 12-inch infotainment system, keyless go and adaptive cruise control. CUPRA select drive modes are available, along with a digital cockpit instrument panel front and rear parking sensors and three zone climate control. 

Options include a panoramic sunroof (£1,035 for the hatchback and £1,055 for the Estate), while the Estate version is offered with an electronically folding tow bar for £750.  

Speaking about the expanding Cupra Leon range, the brand’s vice president for sales and marketing Kai Vogler said: “The Cupra Leon is already a king on the road, but we’re always developing the vehicle to maximise the offering for our customers, making it more customisable and grow its sales targets.

“With the introduction of these engines, our ambition is to achieve a big success with the Cupra Leon, as we have done with the Formentor.”

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